Free First Came You (Fate #0.5) by Faith Andrews Page A

you about tonight.” I can’t ignore the excitement in his voice, but goddamn me if I can remember.
    “What’s tonight? I actually made plans with a few of Jacob’s groupies to go see his band play.” Tommy doesn’t exactly love me hanging out with Jacob, but after introducing them and assuring him that there was no attraction whatsoever, Tommy let up a little. If anything, he likes that I’m not a mopey mess when I’m distracted by Jacob’s band and his outlandish friends.
    “Well, then I’ll come with, and we can commence our special plans afterwards.” He sounds slightly disappointed, but somehow still hopeful.
    Shit! If Tommy comes that means no smoking, no pretending, no fake me. He’d see right through the façade I’ve created around my new group of friends. They didn’t know me before my parents died, therefore they have no idea that this whole life is a bowl of cherries act is just an act. “You sure? I thought you didn’t like his music.”
    “I don’t, but I like you and I want to spend my Friday night with my girlfriend, even if it means tagging along to listen to some lame cover band.”
    “Hey, they’re not lame.” They totally are, but I’m defensive of Jacob and his shitty Eddie Veder knock offs. He’s helped me in ways Tommy can’t. He lets me breathe. Carefree nights in a smoky, dingy lounge listening to mediocre versions of today’s top grunge hits somehow take me away from my reality.
    “Whatever you say, darlin.’ What time does their set start?”
    “Eight, but I was going to help them set up.”
    “So, I’ll be over at six thirty. I got something for you. I’d like to give it to you before we go.” He’s so sweet. Even though I’ve been so detached.
    I feel like a terrible person. Losing my parents made me lose track of all the things that mean the most to me. Maybe tonight I can change that, get back on track, invite Tommy into my new world and show him how it’s masking the pain. I’d like to think it’s healing me, but I’m not a fool. It’s going to take a lot more than some smokes and few new friends to pull me out of this.
    “’Kay, sounds good. And by the way, did I miss an anniversary or something? What’s the gift for?” Knowing how jumbled I’ve been lately, I’m probably forgetting something important.
    “I don’t need a special date to get the girl I love a gift. I just miss you, that’s all. It’s been a rough few weeks with me picking up more hours at the bank, school starting, and you studying so hard. And let’s not forget you becoming a Jacob groupie.” He taunts me with the last part, singing it like a kid sticking his tongue out and flashing his triple scoop ice-cream cone.
    “I miss you too,” I admit, focusing on the part that should mean most. “Tonight will be good. Thanks for putting up with me.”
    “Always, Gabriella. I’ll see you later. Love you.”
    “Love you, too.”
    I hang up, hoping I haven’t just concocted a recipe for disaster. Jacob’s world and Tommy’s are very different. I’m sure they can manage small doses of each other, but mixing them together on a regular basis will be like getting oil and vinegar to blend.

    As promised, Tommy shows up right on time. He’s dressed in a pair of casual jeans that hang off his hips, and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. His hair has grown some—maybe with the times, maybe with lack of time to get it cut—but either way, seeing him like this makes me remember all the reasons I fell in love with him. It’s a guilty emotion—I’ve pushed him away, unwillingly yet at the same time intentionally. A battle of the wills. There’ve been so many inner battles to deal with lately, but tonight I vow to let them slide and just get by.
    Wrapping his arms around me, he leans in for a kiss. “Hey, you. I’ve missed you something fierce.”
    Nuzzling into his warm embrace, I melt against him and decide I’ve missed this too, even if the last time I